“For me, the decision is beyond my authority as a player. For us, we just need to carry our responsibility and give our full focus on the game because that’s our job.

“The planning is made by the management to improve the club, and for us, we must concentrate, focus and give our commitment on the pitch.

“As players, we have to admit and accept the decision. Whatever that the club is doing is for the benefit of the team.

“People come and go, either coaches or players, but the most important thing is the club. We must respect the club, our brand and take it positively," said the former Malaysia international during JDT's press conference for the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup on Thursday.

When asked about Kedah, Safiq is confident that the team are determined to give their best, especially since will be are playing in front of their own fans.

“We respect Kedah because they are a good team. They won the Malaysia Cup last year. The important thing here is our motivation and desire to win. Playing at home, we don’t want to get a bad result and if we give our best, then we can win.”

“I don’t know whether I’ll be playing or not. But for any players that have the chance to play tomorrow, the important thing is we play for the team.”

“If we follow the orders, tactics and play as a team, we will get the victory. This game is important because it is the first game of the season,” added Safiq.

JDT and Kedah will face each other to determine who will bring home the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Cup, as well as the first three points of the new 2017 Malaysia Super League season.